Nursing Program

The nursing program at Richland Community College prepares students for careers in hospitals, convalescent centers, clinics, home care, and physician's offices. The program focuses on knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for the sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Program courses include: administration of medication and treatments, assisting and physician during treatments and examinations, referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer nursing program.

The Nursing program at Richland Community College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission since 1996.

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Richland Community College

468 N Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL

Richland Community College, located in Decatur, Illinois, was founded in 1972 when it was known as Decatur Community College. Originally operating out of a former bank building, the school quickly outgrew the location and at the same time had its service area expanded, resulting in a name change to Richland Community College and the start of construction of a new permanent home. The new campus was completed in 1988, though construction and expansion has continued in response to growing enrollment and community needs. The year following the turn of the century saw particularly large expansion through the addition of a health education center, technology center, an early childhood education academy among others.

Academics

Richland Community College offers a number of programs that result in certificates and associate degrees allowing students to pursue academic or career growth. Additionally, the school provides non-credit, adult education and continuing education courses to meet the needs of professionals and residents in their pursuit of personal or professional betterment.

Academic transfer programs allow students to fulfill lower division and general education requirements that are typically offered during the first two years of a four year education. Individuals will transfer their credits to a four year college or university upon completion of the program. Transfer to a public Illinois school will be facilitated through agreements, though students may choose to apply to private or out of state schools instead. Regardless of where the student chooses to apply, meeting with a counselor to outline a curriculum best suited for desired transfer locations is recommended.

Career programs prepare individuals with the skills and abilities necessary to operate in a given field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate. These programs provide career specific education, though degree programs will include general education courses. Graduates of these programs will be able to enter the workforce as professionals in their field of study and are able to immediately pursue entry level employment.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Dance
• Early Childhood Education

Admissions and Financial Aid

As an open enrollment institution, any individual meeting the minimum requirements for admission will be eligible for enrollment upon submission of an admissions application. Applicants must provide transcripts and test scores, and may be required to take a placement exam. Students should also participate in orientation and meet with a counselor prior to registration, which begins shortly before the start of each semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants. Students in need of financial aid must complete of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Financial aid must be applied for prior to the start of each academic year and students may be asked to provide additional information prior to the disbursement of funds to verify the FAFSA's accuracy due to recently implemented federal regulations.

Students Enrolled in the Nursing Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Richland Community College offers an associate's degree program in nursing.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Registered Nurses

Description

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).